Risky sexual behavior, knowledge on cervical cancer and predictors for PAP smear uptake among Addis Ababa university health science college female students, Addis Ababa Ethiopia.
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Date
2012-12
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Addis Abeba University
Abstract
Back ground: Cervical cancer is the most frequent form and leading cause of cancer mortality
among Ethiopian women, because cancer is often at its advanced stage by the time patients seek
health care services (1). Pap smear test provides an appropriate way for early detection and
prevention if appropriately implemented. However, Pap smear and other cervical cancer
screening tests are under utilized by the legible women mostly because of lack of awareness on
the diseases and the screening tests (13).
Objective: This study was aimed at assessing risky sexual behavior, knowledge on Cervical
cancer and identifying predictors for Pap smear screening test among Addis Ababa university
Health science college female students using the Health Belief Model .
Methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out at Addis Ababa University Health Science
College in June 2012 among 202 female students selected by simple random sampling technique.
After the data was coded, entered and cleaned using EpiInfo; SPSS was used for analysis.
Association between dependent and independent variables was tested by Cross tabulating the
variables and Binary logistic regression test was performed to identify the major predictors of
Pap smear uptake.
Result: Out of 58(28.7%) sexually active respondents, 17(30%) had sex with multiple partners
and 46(79.31%) had never used condom while only 4(6.9%) use condom always during sexual
intercourse. The knowledge level of most respondents concerning cervical cancer was identified
to be low, in which 48(23.8%) and 12(5.9%) were with poor and excellent knowledge
respectively. Year of study [x
respondents[x
=64.907; p <0.001] and sexual activity of the
=8.021; P= 0.046] were among factors affecting their knowledge level. Pap smear
utilization rate was very low 26(12.9%) and the uptake status was found to have association withmarital status [x
[x
2
2
=10.633; P<0.001], sexually activity [x
2
=23.934 ; P<0.00 ] and year of study
= 31.006; P<0.001]. However, knowledge level was major predictor [OR=10.326 (1.290,
82.638)] followed by perceived susceptibility [OR=3.522(1.260, 9.850)] for pap smear uptake
status.
Conclusion and recommendation: Some students were at high risk of contracting HPV and
cervical cancer as they had risky behavioral practices. Most of the students knew less about
cervical cancer and its screening tests, from which the sexually active and those attending 3
year and 4
th
year classes were with better understanding. Pap smear uptake was very low which
could be improved through increasing awareness concerning the disease, Pap smear test as well
as their perceived susceptibility to cervical cancer. Therefore concerned bodies are recommended
to design and implement effective strategies to improve females’ awareness on cervical cancer
and Pap smear test with its utilization
rd
Description
Keywords
Sexual behavior,Cervical cancer ,Female students